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Understanding Wire


fig rocks

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Well, today is the day to start telling everyone about wire, I can only say that is an amazing media that creates beautiful things. I think the first thing is to understand the nature of wire, it has a memory and if you over work the wire it will become weak and break. In my journey of understanding this media I have found that it is best to let the wire do its own thing, don't force the issue by trying to control it, let it move at will, it will give you great soft lines and contours with beautiful organic results.

Let's see now, what will you need to do a project? Well, first you need an object that you wish to wrap, after you determine what you would like to transform you would need to measure the object in question. You do this by using painters tape which is very low tack, wrap the object with it and remove, now you know how much wire you will need, but don't forget to add a few extra inches to do the hanging bezel and to secure the bezel to the pendent. I forgot to mention that the best wire to use is dead soft if you're using sterling silver, it is very easy to work with even in the bigger gauges. You will also need a pair of needle nose players, flat nose players, wire cutters, and a permanent marker.

I am hoping to make a video to show you 3 different techniques of wire work. With these weaving techniques you will be able to wrap anything you like, shark teeth, fossils, etc. Also you will be able to weave amazing chains to accompany your pendant. So go and look for something to wrap and begin creating things that will bring you a sense of accomplishment.

WARNING: Wire work is highly addictive :P

PS: Give me your feedback if you'd like to see more wire working techniques! :)

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I have wrapped a couple of shark teeth that I found at POC and made a nice little pendant. I had never wire wrapped anything before and I think I did a pretty good job considering. Please post some pics of some of the things you've wire wrapped.

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I would love to learn to wrap things!

Does your instructional video include the proper way to wrap anything? Teeth, Gems, Houses....?

Any other techniques (not the secrets, of course. ;-))would also be a great help!

(any stores that have cheaper wire, etc..)

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I have wrapped a couple of shark teeth that I found at POC and made a nice little pendant. I had never wire wrapped anything before and I think I did a pretty good job considering. Please post some pics of some of the things you've wire wrapped.

Hi jimmy, you can check out some of my wire wrapping in my threads in member collections. :)
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I would love to learn to wrap things!

Does your instructional video include the proper way to wrap anything? Teeth, Gems, Houses....?

Any other techniques (not the secrets, of course. ;-))would also be a great help!

(any stores that have cheaper wire, etc..)

Yes, when you view my videos you'll be able to wrap anything, even houses. But I suggest you start with something smaller like a condo first! :P

I'll teach you 3 techniques (with secrets) and with them you'll even be able to weave chain. B)My link

Check out Rio Grande online for wire. My link You can use copper, silver, or gold depending on your budget. :)

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I'll be sure to check that out I already have in mind some pieces that that would work really well with.

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I just discovered the blog section, and yours was the first I opened. Love it. I was recently in a craft store and stopped at the book section. The only book I picked up was about wire wrapping. I almost bought it, but needed to curb the spending. I am very interested in wrapping, and would like to see more of your work. I am going to check out your gallery and video. Thanks for peaking my interest in a new hobby. Luckily this one can benefit my wife, so she might not think I am nuts.

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